HT Digital,
New Delhi, April 20: Commonwealth and Asian Games champion Vinesh Phogat secured an Olympic quota in the women’s 50kg category by defeating Kazakhstan’s Laura Ganikyzy 10-0 in the women’s 50kg semifinal at the Asian Olympic qualifiers. The match was won within 4:18 minutes, owing to Phogat’s technical superiority.
She will now face Aktenge Keunimjaeva of Uzbekistan who overpowered Chinese Taipei’s Meng Hsuan Hsieh 4-2. Phogat was inactive for nearly two years protesting against former WFI president Brij Bhushan Saran Singh.
She emerged victorious in the 50 kg trial at the Asian Olympics qualifications after participating in two weight categories. In the round of 16, she defeated South Korea’s Cheon Miran 10-0 and in the quarter-final, she secured a victory in less than a minute against Cambodia’s Dit Samnang.
Despite usually competing in the 53kg category, Phogat excelled in the 50kg category. She competed in both categories during the National trials on March 11 after Antim Panghal’s qualification in the 50kg division from the 2023 World Championships.
Although she lost in the 53kg category against Railways’ Anju, she defeated Shivani 11-6 in the 50kg category. Despite facing setbacks in the 2023 season, including a knee injury, illness, and a protest against the former WFI president, Phogat demonstrated resilience and determination, leading to her remarkable achievement.
